William M. McDermott, Jr. RADM, USNMC (Ret.)

1929 ∼ 2017

William M. McDermott Jr. RADM USNMC (Ret), of Falmouth, MA died after a short illness on June 6, 2017 at the age of 87. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Elaine, and his four children, Timothy McDermott & wife Marian McDermott of Rivervale NJ, Tara A. McDermott of Falmouth, Wm. Michael McDermott and husband Paul Reinert of Somerville, and Samuel A. Forman of Brookline. In addition to his children, Dr. McDermott leaves behind his sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and William O’Brien of Topsfield, his sister-in-law Dawn Dennen of Centerville, his two granddaughters, Laura and Caroline McDermott of Rivervale NJ, and multiple nieces and nephews.

Dr. McDermott and his wife Elaine moved to Falmouth in 1987 and they divided their time between Falmouth and Boston until his retirement as Executive Vice President of the Massachusetts Medical Society in 1994. In 2006, the MMS awarded him the Senior Volunteer Physician of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award.

After his retirement from the MMS, Dr. McDermott was instrumental in the founding of the Falmouth Free Clinic, which is now part of the Cape Cod Community Health Care Network, as well as actively involved in the Tufts Alumni Club of Cape Cod. Dr. McDermott received the following commendations for his work on behalf of his beloved alma mater: Tufts University Distinguished Graduate Award (1982), Tufts Medical School Distinguished Graduate Award (2007).

Dr. McDermott held the following degrees, commendations and medals: Bachelor of Science - Tufts University, Master of Science - Tufts University, Medical Doctor - Tufts University School of Medicine, Certified, Diplomate, American Board of Anesthesiology, Fellow, American College of Anesthesiology, Diplomate, National Board of Medical Examiners, Legion of Merit with Gold Star in lieu of Second Award, Bronze Star Medal (with Combat V), Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star in lieu of Second Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation (two awards), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Visiting Hours will be held on June 9 from 4-7 PM, at Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, 475 Main Street, Falmouth, MA. A eulogy, followed by a funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 10 beginning at 9:45 AM, at Saint Patrick Catholic Church, 511 Main Street, Falmouth, MA.

In Lieu of Flowers, donations may be made to the Tufts University School, of Medicine, PO Box 3306, Boston, MA 02241-3306 or The Falmouth Dog Park Fund, P.O. Box 93, East Falmouth, MA 02536.

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